5 must-try Korean food combinations to enrich your K-drama marathon

Commenting on the rise in Korean flavors, Godrej Foods Ltd CEO Abhay Parnerkar said, “The use of familiar ingredients like rice, noodles, vegetables, meat, sesame oil, chilli, soy and spices in Korean cuisine resonates well with the Indian palate .” The traditional Korean plate of protein, broth, and rice feels comfortingly familiar, making it an easy choice. This is why many FMCG brands are betting on Korean flavors, which will continue their upward trend as Indian consumers delve deeper into K-dramas and K-culture.”

Here is a guide to the best K-Foods you can find in India to enjoy while watching your favorite shows:

Ramyeon for the perfect sip

Korean instant noodles, or ramyeon, are a staple. They are the ultimate comfort food and their popularity in India has skyrocketed, with exports reaching over $8 million in the first half of 2024 alone! The spicy kick, chewy noodles, and heartwarming broth make ramyeon the perfect companion for cozy moments during your K-drama marathon. Whether you’re swooning in “Nevertheless” or enjoying the flirty conversation in “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” a warm bowl of ramyeon is just what you need to set the mood.

Perfect for: Romantic and feel-good shows like Nevertheless, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Her Private Life or Love in the Moonlight – perfect if you’re in the mood for something comforting and heartfelt as the love stories unfold on screen.

Korean fried chicken and beer – the perfect Chimaek watch party

The iconic Korean combination of fried chicken and beer known as chimaek is the ultimate combination for your drama binge, especially as you prepare for the return of Squid Game season 2. The double-fried chicken, coated in a sticky, aromatic sauce, paired with a chilled glass of beer is the perfect antidote to the chaos on screen. This crunchy treat will keep you company at every twist and turn as you watch the high-stakes competition.

Perfect for: Intense and heartbreaking moments in Squid Game where you need something crunchy and indulgent to ease the tension.

Gochujang – The bold and fiery flavor bomb

No K-Food experience is complete without gochujang – Korea’s famous fermented chili paste. More and more brands are now introducing this iconic spice to Indian shelves, making it easy to add a touch of authentic Korean flavor to your meals. Whether you’re spicing up a rice bowl, spicing up your bibimbap, or adding it to your tteokbokki, gochujang’s deep, umami-rich spiciness perfectly complements the lively, unpredictable humor of historical comedies. Next time you watch a historical comedy, why not try the taste of this timeless ingredient?

Perfect for: Pair it with iconic dishes like bibimbap or tteokbokki while watching light-hearted historical dramas like Hwarang or Mr. Queen, where you can enjoy the mix of tradition and comedy on screen – just like the mix of flavors in every bite.

Japchae – Korea’s tasty glass noodles

If you are a noodle lover, Japchae is a must! The Korean “glass skin” may be a little difficult to achieve, but we can satisfy our K-food cravings with these fried glass noodles. Japchae is made from sweet potatoes and offers a delicate chewy flavor that’s unlike anything you’ve tasted before. With fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, soy-based sauces and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, japchae is a healthy and tasty dish.

Perfect for: Slice-of-life dramas like Reply 1988 or Welcome to Waikiki, where the emphasis is on everyday joys and warm connections – much like Japchae itself, which combines simple ingredients into a dish that is rich in flavor and comforting.

Tteokbokki – Chewy comfort in every bite

This spicy rice cake dish is becoming increasingly popular in Indian K-food restaurants and is also available in a ready-to-cook version. Tteokbokki is chewy, flavorful, and brings warmth and comfort in every bite – perfect for cozy nights wrapped up in a blanket. Its spicy-sweet kick is the ultimate binge-watching snack. In fact, it’s a dish that appears often on the Hospital Playlist, adding to its emotional warmth.

Perfect for: Pair it with lighthearted, feel-good shows that make you feel warm, like “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” or of course “Hospital Playlist” itself.